By Dr. LaVelle Hendricks

Is it safe to get in the bath water? Well yes—if you continue to use Epsom salt and soap. The fear griping many across the country is explaining /understanding “bath salts.” Don’t be decived, there is nothing safe about using this new “synthetic stimulant.” “Bath Salts” are being sold/marketed as “plant food” and “not for human consumption”.....but truth be told..it’s synthetic cocaine. Street names for this product: Ivory Wave, Purple Wave, Vanilla Sky, Aura, White devil, Blue Silk, Bonzai Grow, Charge Plus, Euphoria, Hurricane Charlie, Lovey Dovey, Ocean, Pixie Dust, Red Dove, Scarface, , White Dove, MTV, Magic, Maddie, Black Rob, Super Coke ,White Girl, White Lightning, and Bliss---just to name a few.

“Bath Salts” are methylenedioxyprovalerone (MDPV)--- AKA—designer drug. MDPV was originally developed for the treatment of chronic fatigue. However, due to the abuse and addictive nature of the medicine—it has sense been declared as having no medical use. Today, “street chemists” are using MDPV for the manufacture of “bath salts.” As reported by CNN, “MDPV blocks the neurotransmiter chemical dopamine from being reabsorbed into the brain. When it’s used over the long term, the brain stops manufacturing dopamine, which affects a person’s ability to feel pleasure.” Joseph Rannazzisi, Deputy Assistant Administrator of the office of Diversion Control, Drug Enforcement Administration, stated: “The manufacturers and retailers who make and sell these products do not fully disclose all of the product ingredients and never disclose the active and potentially harmful ingredient(s).

“Bath Salts” are snorted, smoked, or injected to get high. The effects of using “Bath Salts” as reported by the medical community are staggering: paranoia, hallucinations, chest pain, suicide tendencies, high blood pressure, increased pulse, and psychosis. In one reported case, a man after using “Bath Salts” used “his teeth to tear up the back seat of a patrol car.” The American Association of Poison Control Centers reported an increase of calls from individuals inquiring and reporting on the use of “Bath Salts” and other stimulants. In the first quarter of 2011, 1381 calls were made to poison centers as compared to only 301 in all of 2009.

“Bath Salts” are purchased in retail outlets, head shops, over the internet, or though the local “street chemist.” The quarter size plastic container contains 3g of the synthetic stimulant for a price between $20-$50. Because of the availability of “Bath Salts,” Director of National Drug Control Policy Gil Kerlikowske issued a statement: “...we know they (“Bath Salts”) pose a serious threat to the health and well being of young people and anyone who may use them.” However, as with most drugs that are controversial in nature, there are those who defend the use of “Bath salts.” On the website, wwww.bathsaltsdruginfo.com, writers comment: “I am stocking up while I still can...national ban is around the corner and the good stuff won’t be around long,” and “I love bathsalts and here to have a good time with you people.”

As of date, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that treatment for “Bathsalts” use would include “benzodiazepine such as lorazepam to control signs of toxicity...(and) antipsychotics were used as secondary agents when benzodiazepine sedation was ineffective.” Also, many states (31) have taken measures to ban the sale/use/ distribution and possession of “Bathsalts.” The Federal Drug Enforcement Agency has noted that “Bathsalts’ are of concern but “...lack sufficient data to understand exactly how prevalent the use of these stimulants is, we know they pose a very serious threat to the health and well being of young people and anyone who may use them.” Recently, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) announced it would make these drugs illegal for one year while the Department of Health and Human Services studies whether the chemicals should be permanently banned.